2011 Herencia Altes Garnacha Blanca Terra Alta

SKU #1090285

Terra Alta is a lesser-known D.O. of Catalonia, located in the southeastern corner bordering Valencia and Aragon. Despite being somewhat under-the-radar by name, it is one of the largest regions in the province under vine, home to many old vineyards with gnarled old bush vines growing in its predominantly sand and clay carcareous soils. The climate here is basically Mediterranean with colder winters due to continental influences. Herencia Altes has been farming these lands for generations, but only recently began producing estate wines under their own label. This 100% Garnacha (Grenache) Blanc comes from a combination of older and younger vines, and is vinified in a crisp, unoaked style with naturally fresh acidity and moderate alcohol. It exhibits fresh melon and tropical citrus aromas and flavors with honeysuckle accents. Honeyed notes inform the midpalate, which has a nice creamy texture balanced by juicy acidity. The refreshing finish is accented by notes of ginger and citrus peel. Enjoy this balanced, refreshing, and food-friendly white with grilled Spanish octopus, calamari, or other assorted light pintxos.

Product Reviews:

If you miss old fashioned, dry finishing Rhone wine you will love this fantastic Grenache from Spain. The Altes has earth, black fruit and a nice bit of tannin on the finish and will be a great partner to mid-week meals.

I love Granacha Blanca. But, sometimes it just comes out flat and one note of acidity. This one show's very well. Great citrus notes, firm minerality and a creamy mouth feel. Go to your nearest seafood shop and than fire up the grill!

Additional Information:

Varietal:

Other White Wines

Country:

Spain

- With more land under vine than any other country in the world, Spain is the great sleeping wine giant. In recent years, a great deal of money and passion has been poured in the burgeoning Spanish wine industry, helping to improve quality among its vast array of wines from sparkling Cava to Sherry to Rioja Gran Reserva. The most important red-wine-producing regions are Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Navarra in the north and Priorat and Penedes in the northeast.